MotoGP is still planning to hold the Qatar Grand Prix, but the event has developed into an open confrontation involving riders and teams. Nineteen of the 22 riders signed a letter to the championship saying they did not want to travel for the race. Yamaha has also announced that it will not send its teams to the Middle East.

Tensions had already risen sharply around the Malaysian Grand Prix. MotoGP is now threatening teams and riders with sanctions if they miss Qatar. The consequences of Yamaha’s decision have not yet become clear, but the move has triggered a strong reaction from the championship.

Uncertainty remains until Friday

MotoGP is maintaining its Qatar race plan and says it has secured guarantees from the Qatari government. The situation could still change before the opening practice session on Friday. If the war between the United States and Iran were to restart, Qatari airspace could be closed and the paddock could become stranded. That scenario would almost certainly cancel the season’s final two rounds in Portugal and Valencia.

The dispute also overshadows the title fight. Marc Marquez has the chance to secure the MotoGP championship in Qatar after his latest victory, as he closes in on an eighth world title.